3d Adaptive Building Skin

1. A.B.Suma , Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven
Divyesh Kumar
R.S.Jayakrishnan
3D Adaptable
Building Skin
An Invention for Freedom in
Shape of Facades
Tutorial 1

2. ABSTRACT
• To develop a principle on which a façade element can be deformed in
shape
• Flexible structure with cables, small bars and inflatable tubes, which
together form a woven pattern
• By studying the structure of the human skin, a pattern was discovered
and translated into a constructive principle
• This principle will create many new possibilities in architectural design

3. HUMAN SKIN
• Discovery of a structural pattern which can be used for façade
elements
• Human skin is very elastic and deformable
• Dermis is the structural layer and absorbs all the deformations

4. HUMAN SKIN
• Structural behavior in the dermis is determined by a
cooperation of elastin fibers, collagen fibers and the
extracellular matrix
• Elastin fibers take care of the
elasticity
• Collagen fibers take care of the
ultimate strength and finite strain
• Extracellular matrix consists of a
dense mass of fluids which keeps
the fibers in the dermis layer in
place

5. HUMAN SKIN
• When deformation occurs, the elastin fibers are tensioned first
• They will stretch till the collagen fibers are straightened and the tension
forces will be taken by the collagen fibers
• An analogy was developed for a constructive façade element

6. TRANSLATION TO FAÇADE ELEMENT
• The constructive façade element must be easily manufactured,
constructed and maintained at low cost
• The chaotic skin structure was schematized to a regular pattern
• A hexagonal structure which is made up of small bars connected by
cables

7. TRANSLATION TO FAÇADE ELEMENT
• In the open spaces of the structure, inflatable tubes are
placed which
will establish the cooperation between all the structure
elements
• The cross sections are never directly mutually joined
• Façade element with elasticity and freedom of deformation

8. TRANSLATION TO FAÇADE ELEMENT
• Grey arrows will keep the red horizontal bars in place
• Horizontal deformation is possible by the elastic properties of the blue
cables
• When the deformation becomes so large that the red curved cables are
stretched, the system has reached its finite strain

9. TRANSLATION TO FAÇADE ELEMENT
• Inflatable tubes represent the properties of the extracellular matrix by
their resistance in pressure
• The steel cables, rigid pipes and springs represent the cooperation of the
collagen and elastin fibers
• The rigid pipes are hollow so the steel cables can slide through them
• At the end supports each cable is hold by a spring which limits the ability to
deform

10. APPLICATION:A PHYSICAL STUDY
• A scale model has been produced
• Hexagonal framework along 3 axis is entangled perpendicularly.

11. APPLICATION:A PHYSICAL STUDY
• Hollow corridors give the opportunity
to place the inflatable tubes in layers.

12. DYNAMIC CHARACTER : Tensile Structure
•Can be deformed into convex and concave surfaces by varying the
tension in the cables
Lifts up
Depression

13. DYNAMIC CHARACTER : Tensile Structure
Tension force applied to elevate
the skin facade
Tension force applied to depress
the skin facade

14. DYNAMIC CHARACTER : Inflatable Tubes
•Can be deformed by varying the pressure of inflatable tubes
Pressure increased

15. Feasibility?
•Research work in going on to investigate the structural
behaviour.
•To meet the commercial market, the sectional geometry is set
to 318 mm thickness and a span of 1950 mm in two orthogonal
surface directions
•Structural elements like inflatable tubes, steel cables and
springs will be investigated and adjusted to the desirable
behaviour.

16. Conclusion: Architectural Advantages
•Elements with adaptable shape lead to great freedom in
architectural design
•express different characters both inwards and outwards
•Possible shapes on the façade are 2D and 3D waves, walking
bulges, logos of firms,pictures, expression of scenes, text and
names etc.
•Rooms and halls can grow or shrink and adapt to its internal
circumstances

17. Conclusion: Architectural Advantages
A corridor can adapt to passing people. The width of the corridor with a plan width
of two meters expands from 1.40 meter to 2.60 meters.

18. Conclusion: Architectural Advantages
The façade consists almost entirely of stagnant air; the best
thermal isolator.